Gateshead 0 Harrogate Railway 1

A hungry Harrogate Railway team came to the International Stadium on Monday night, in the first half Harrogate Railway looked slightly the better side with some good passing and movement off the ball. 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half Gateshead started to change gear and get a better grip in the game, with Gateshead hitting the wood work on a few occasions. Davie Southern rattled the cross bar mid way through the second half.

The Nail in the coffin was a bit shady to say the least with a Harrogate Railway striker bear hugging Chris Hanson in the Gateshead Box, and got a goal seconds after. The ref did have a white stick moment.

Line up and ratings:

Bishop 7

Made some canny saves

Baxter 7

Had a quiet game compared to games of late

Mason 7 (Debut)

Showed some bite

Hanson 7 (Captain)

Did well through out

Curtis 7

Solid in defence and got the ball out of Gateshead half

Deverdics 7

Not a bad game, had a half chance to scored in the second half

Scaife 7

Did some running in the second half

Clark 6

Wasn't at the races, got an injury in the second half

Southern 8

Made chances and was unlucky not to add to his 12 this season

The Heed Army Blog Man Of The Match

Tarrant 7

Had chances, on another day the net would have rippled

Johnston 7

First start back after injury, still had flashes of pace even though not fully fit, watch this space.

Subs:

Salvin (not used)

Talbot 6

Came on and did well

Istead 6

Had a good shooting opportunity

Private Spencer

Private Spencer enjoying half time at the Harrogate Railway match.

The Season So far: Player Ratings Part 2

This is part two of a review of the players so far this season, looking at their performances thus far.


To continue the summary:


The Midfield

Nicky Deverdics
Nicky started off similar to Craig Baxter, a little off the pace. After the few games to acclimatise Nicky has become a strong attacking midfield player how never gives up.

Season Rating So Far 7

Chris Hughes

After starting the season on the wing, Chris has moved into central midfield and has become a great Tally's man for the team. A box to box player with plenty of gas in the tank all through a game.

Season Rating So Far 8

Steve Salvin

If there is a ball to chase Steve will chase it, and makes life very difficult for the opposition during most games.

Season Rating So For 7

Steve Istead

Very Versatile player who can play up front or in midfield, but injury's have stopped Steve from getting a long run in the side to show what he can do.

Season Rating So Far 7

Paul Thompson

Paul has become Mr Utility in recent years, but his start to the season has seen injury's also. Flashes of the old Thommo are till there, but needs to play a full game.

Season Rating So Far 7

The Strikers

Davie Southern

A breath of fresh air in the team after years of having no players to change a game with one kick of the ball. Davie has scored 12 goals so far this season and making many goals as well.

Season Rating So Far 9

Neil Tarrant

Neil has come into the side and show his knowledge of the game, on the attacks he brings in his team mate into the play. His powerful shots and headers make him a feared target man.

Season rating so far 7

Kesendu Okike

Mr Hot and cold of late, after a great end to last season Kesndu hasn't been at the races much this season. Lets hope its a minor dip in form

Season Rating So Far 6

(The Photo's of Istaed and Hughes taken by Private Rowan)

The Season So far: Player Ratings Part 1

This is part one of a review of the players so far this season, looking at their performances thus far.

To start off the summary:

The Goal Keepers:

Michael Price

Micheal started off well in his first game against Burscough on the first game of the season keeping a clean sheet. and also did very well against a strong marine attack in the following game. Injury has hampered his season after 8 games.

Season rating so far 7

Simon Bishop










Simon is a Keeper with a vast experience in the higher levels of the non-league game. playing many seasons for Barrow. Simon has done well since his late arrival at Gateshead, but he has looked off the pace a little at times with his movement.

Season rating so far 7


Richard Swann
Richard has only made on appearance this season in the Durham cup but did well

Season rating so far 6


The Defenders


Paul Talbot









Paul is in classic form for Gatehead, does his job well and gets forward, due a goal

Season rating so far 7


Steve Baker









Steve's start to the season wasn't the best, he looked out of place in the centre of defence, and soon picked up an injury. After his injury Steve cam back into the side at right back and has looked a class act.

Season rating so far 7

Richard Flynn









Richard started off well playing at right back, after a few seasons at centre back. injury has hampered his season.

Season rating so far 7


James Curtis









This could well be Jame's best season at Gateshead so far, with solid defending and scoring in front of goal.

Season rating so far 8


Chris Hanson
Chris has become a great partner for Curtis at the back and both players cover each other well.

Season rating so far 7


Craig Baxter









Craig started off slow but has become a key member of the Gateshead squad, starting off at right back and also playing on the wing. he has started creating goals as well as helping stopping them being made for the opposition.

Season rating so far 8



Part two will have from midfiled to Strikers reviews.

The Bishop, Curtis, Baxter and Price photo's all taken by Private Rowan

Witton Albion 1 Gateshead 1

The Halftime score at Wincham Park was Witton Albion 0-0 Gateshead.

Gateshead Took the lead in the second half with Davie Southern (pictured bottom left) getting his 12th Goal of the season, but Witton got level to make it a 1-1 draw.

My First Heed Game: Private Smith

The first Gateshead game I attended was a pre-season friendly against the main football love of my life Newcastle United on the 10th August 1978.
The new Gateshead FC were one year old and after opening the previous season with a friendly against league opposition in the shape of Lawrie McMenemy’s Southampton, it was the turn of the Magpies this time round.Newcastle were making there debut at The Stadium, for this warm-up game, fresh from a bitterly disappointing season which ended in relegation to the 2nd Division.

It was standing room only, as the old main stand was full, so I took my place behind the goal at the ‘Byker End’ of the ground in a crowd of just over 3,000 and witnessed a scrappy encounter which was eventually settled by a late goal from(according to the records) Ralph Callaghan, even though I always thought Tommy Cassidy had scored, and I had made a note of this in the match programme.

The match was refereed by legendary local whistler Pat Partridge, who had spend the summer working in Argentina for the ’78 World Cup, and amongst the line up making his ‘debut’ former Gateshead United favourite Les Mutrie who was making a welcome return to The Tynesider’s, and a young 18 year old lad recently signed from Redheugh Boys Club called Peter Harrison, the side Ray Wilkie sent out that night was:

1.Dick Patterson
2.Fred McIver
3.Ray Coulson
4.Tony Rosethorn
5.Peter Harrison
6.Bob McLeod
7.Steve Holbrook
8.Ken Brown

9.Les Mutrie
10.Kevin Matthews
11.Kenny Heslop

Subs:
Alex Welsh
Tom Hendrie
Hartley Maddison

A big Thank You to Private Smith for his My First Heed Game Story

(Shaun Smith on the right in this photo)

My First Heed Game: Petty Officer Percival

My first Heed game was nothing to write home about really. October 16th 1996 was the date. Just one day before my 14th birthday. I had been bugging my dad to take me to a Gateshead match. I had no reason to bug him other than I had been to a friendly match pre-season involving Newcastle, Gateshead and Blyth.

I think the Gateshead bug had caught me then (and not surprising when Gateshead had Paul Proudlock in the squad). I loved that game because Gateshead lost 2-0 and Blyth lost 3-0. Each side played 45 minutes against Newcastle. It was my first visit to St James' Park also and I went with my mum.

I still class the October game as my first though. We played Morecambe and lost 3-0. At half time my dad and me moved seats and in those seats we stayed until we moved away from the area a couple of years ago. When we do go back we do sit in those seats though.

I've been going ever since. My first away Heed game was our "local" derby at Halifax on New Years Day 1998 and when we were relegated to the UniBond League that year I was able to go to most away games as well as home.

A big Thank you to Alan for his My First Heed game story (Alan Percival Pictured on the right with Private Walton).

Photo taken by Private Rowan

My First Heed Game: General Gaddess

My first Heed match was on Wednesday the 25th of November 1996 Vs Macclesfield Town at the International Stadium.


What i remember of the 0-0 with Macclesfield isn't that clear, but i do Remember Paul "Thommo" Thompson missing a penalty late in the game.


The Gateshead Team included:

A young Paul Thompson

Paul Proudlock

Kenny Lowe

Sam Kitchen

And Derek Ord


Although it wasn't the best game, i enjoyed the feel of the Gateshead game and crowed (the crowed was a lot bigger back then).

I was hooked after taking in a few more games that season,


And the rest is history.







This is The ticket i got from my first Heed game.

Gateshead FC 3 Sutton Coldfield 0

A horrible night for football, but Gateshead still used their passing game to great affect over Sutton Coldfield at the International Stadium.

Neil Tarrant got a brace after great build up play by both Davie Southern and Craig Baxter for each goal.

David Southern rounded the scoring off after Craig "Beckham" Baxter whipped in what is becoming a trade mark cross for Davie to put away well.


Line up and rating:

Bishop 7
Never tested much, but stopped everything that came his way

Talbot 7
Great all round play

Baker 8
Covered every blade of grass down the right

Hanson 8 (Captain)
A rock in defence

Curtis 8
Never troubled, maybe should have got on the score sheet again when in the oppositions box

Baxter 9
Keeps making chances, and never stops running

Hughes 8
Looks a classic act when on form, he was tonight

Salvin 8
Should have headed home at least two

Southern 9
How many time can you praise a player, Fantastic game

Tarrant 9
Two well taken goals, The Heed Army Blog Man of the Match.

Istead 8
Looked sharp tonight, expect goals

Subs:
Swann (not used)

Thompson 7
Won the headers and made chances

Johnston 7
Was great to see him back on the pitch, MAGICS BACK lets hope we see the tricks soon

Deverdics 7
Didn't have much time to make a massive impact, but did well

Scaife (not used)

Goat with General Gaddess

The Goats every ones friend on match days!!

Goat with Sgt Barrass

Sgt Barrass with the goat at the Sutton Coldfield match.

Sutton Coldfield 2 Gateshead FC 2

Gateshead had to come from two goals down to Stay in the FA Trophy on Saturday.


Gateshead Trailed 2-0 at halftime, and also had Steve Baker sent off early in the second.


Goals from Craig Baxter (Top Right) and Davie Southern (Bottom left) earned Gateshead replay at the International stadium on Tuesday night.














(Craig Baxter photo taken by Private Rowan)

The Heed Army Goes International

Over the past week the Heed Army Blog has Had Visitors from all over the world, it's great that the Heed Army is reaching further and further.

People have Viewed from the Following Country's and City's in the past six days:

Norway(Oslo)
Germany
Nepal (Kathmandu)
India
Singapore
America (Kentucky, Reading New York, Colorado)
Canada (Alberta)
Italy (Padova)
Portugal (Lisbon)
Holland
Malaysia
France (Paris)
Ireland (Dublin)
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Also there has been visits from all round the United Kingdom.

Lets hope they tell their friends to visit the blog.

HEED ARMY TO ALL!!!!!!!!

Hall Of Fame: Derek Bell

The Man:

Derek Bell not only played for the mighty Heed Army but he saved it, but first lets talk about his playing days.

Derek was at Newcastle Utd before a a bad knee injury made him drop out of the full time ranks. The injury happened at Against Manchester Utd reserves at Old Trafford. but this didn't stop him from carrying on in the game, all be in in Non-League.

Derek made 321 appearances for the Heed Army and scored 48 goals.

The Saviour:

Well in the hearts of the Gateshead fans one man spearheaded the Fight for survival, Derek was Manager at the time when the administration at the time felt they could manage to keep the club going.

Most managers of football club's would have walked away saying "i couldn't do anything", but not Mr Bell. With the bit between his teeth Derek worked tirelessly to get business men interested in the Tynesiders.

Derek left the Management side of the club to look after running the club and became Chairman.

His hard work paid off with finding now new Chairman Mr Wood to help run matters with the club.






















The Heed Army and the blog would like Thank Derek for all of his hard work at the club, which still continues to this day.

Gateshead FC 3 Radcliffe Borough 1

Gateshead carry on their good form in to the next league game with a good 3-1 win over Radcliffe Borough at the International Stadium.

Nicky Deverdic's opened the scoring for Gateshead in the first half with a cheeky lob over the Radcliffe keeper, after he had received a great cross field pass from Craig Baxter.

The second Goal was also made by Craig "BECKHAM" Baxter, when he crossed an evil ball into the box for Neil Tarrant to head into the back of the net.

After half time Gateshead started the second half like they ended the first on the attack, but it wasn't till half way through the second when Davie Southern tricked his way past the last defender to place the ball in the net.

Radcliffe got a late conciliation goal after they opened up the Gateshead defence with a great through ball.

Line up and ratings:

Bishop 7

Didn't put a foot wrong

Talbot 7

Easy game

Baxter 9

Made two great goal's, starting to look something special

The Heed Army Blog Man Of The Match.

Hanson 8

Never troubled

Curtis 8

Should of got a goal

Baker 8

Looks a lot better at right back.

Hughes 8

Played great in centre of midfield

Deverdics 8

Looked like GAZZA 96 at Wembly with his lob

Salvin 7

Got in the thick of it

Tarrant 8

Took his goal very well

Southern 8

Was like Ronaldinho with the ball, and left the Radcliffe defenders behind him for his goal

Subs:

Scaife 6

Looked off the pace

Istead 6

Made a bad tackle when he came on, was lucky to stay on the pitch

Rea (cant remember if he came on sorry)

Curtis accepting his award from the match Sponser

James Curtis Getting his Man of the Match award From John Carter of Carter Express after the game.

Gateshead 2 Ilkeston Town 1

A good home against a strong Physical Ilkeston side, but Ilkeston start the better

in the first half.

The Ilkeston Goal came after a shot which Simon Bishop saved but he didnt hold on to it and the loose ball was put in the back of the net by Chris Adam.

Gateshead Didn't get into the game till just before half time when Craig "BECKHAM" Baxter whipped in a perfect ball for Chris Hughes to nod home.

After the break Gateshead started to move through the gears and start to pile the pressure on the Ilkeston attack.

Niel Tarrant opened his Gateshead Goal account to give a good home win for the Heed Army.

Line up and ratings:

Bishop 7

Doesn't look safe when having to move round the box

Talbot 7

Had a easy game, didn't get very far forward

Baxter 8

Had a blinder of a game and set the first goal up with a peach of a cross

Hanson 7 (captain)

Did his Job well

Curtis 8

won every header and commanded the defence

The HEED ARMY BLOG Man Of The Match

Baker 7

Looked better at right back when moved

Southern 8

Did what he does best, runs the game

Salvin 7

Put himself about

Tarrant 8

Got his first goal, and brought other players into play

Rea 7

Again had his chances to put a few away

Hughes 8

Put his Goal away well

Subs:

Clark 6

Didnt show much after he came on

Deverdics 6

Came on for Salvin

Thompson (not used)

Enjoying the game lads?

The Heed Army Crew giving the Heed Army Blog the thumbs up!!

Out and About with the Stars

Captain Carter with Davie Southern and Private Clifton enjoying a shandy.

Smile Boy's

Sgt Armstrong with Private Clifton and Sgt Young

The Heed Army Crew

The Heed Army crew enjoying a pre-match drink.

Ilkeston match

Ilkeston are the visitors to the International Stadium On Saturday, Gateshead FC will be hoping they are able to boucne back from from there 2-1 defeat to Whitby Town on Tuesday night.

Gateshead will be with out a few key players:

Ian Clark (Operation needed on ankle)

Chris Hughes (Operation need on double hernia)

Paul Talbot (Doubtful)

Paul Thompson (Doubtful)

Adam Johnston (Not fully fit)

On the plus side Captain Steve Baker (Pictured top right) is back to fitness after the sub appearance's in the last two games.

The Heed Army blog Predicts a 2-1 win for Gateshead.

Also a visitor counter has been added to the blog at the bottom of the links.

Operations

Ian Clark and Chris Hughes look set to miss a few games in the coming week's due to them both needing Operations.

Ian Clark (pictured below) needs an Operation on his ankle.

While Chris Hughes (pictured below) needs a operation on his double hernia.

The Heed Army blog Wishes both Players a speedy recovery.

(photo's taken by Private Rowan)

Hall Of Fame: Proudlock

Paul Proudlock when playing for Gateshead was the glue that held everything together, with great vision and powerful shots.



Proudy as he became known by the fans, would work marvels in midfield leaving the opposition wondering what had happend more often than not.



Proudy signed for Gateshead from Carlisle Utd for £1.500 fee in 1993, while at Carlisle Proudy played Along side Uefa Cup winner Eric Gates. Proudy also Played For Middlesbrough in his time.

Paul Proudlock played along side Other heed legends Keith Flecther and Steve Bowey.

Paul had a stint as manager bringing in Gary Gill (a former Middlesbrough team mate) as his assistant.

Furture Hall Of fame members:

Derek Bell

Kenny Lowe

Terry Hibbitt

The Callander Brothers

(shirt photo's taken by Wing Comander Robinson)

Whitby Town 2 Gateshead FC 1

Well it was the old game of two half's for Gateshead at Whitby Town.

Whitby took the lead early in the first half and looked the better going forward, Whitby's second goal was a power house shot that Simon Bishop got his hands to but the power carried it in to the roof of the net.

After the half time break Gateshead started much the stronger and camped out in the Whitby half. with Davie Southern and Nicky Deverdics keeping the tempo high for the Gatesheads attacks.

Jamie Curtis Pulled one back for Gateshead mid way through the second half with a great Header past a helpless Campbell (a Former Gateshead Keeper). After this goal Gateshead kept up their attacks on the Whitby goal only to have most shots stopped by Campbell.

Whitby rid the storm well to hang on to all three point's, Gutting Gateshead only hit top gear till they was behind.

Line Up and Ratings:

Bishop 7
Had two things to do, pity it was pick the ball out the net.

Talbot 6
Wasn't at the races

Baxter 7
Played ok

Curtis 8
Took his goal well, played his heart out
The HEED ARMY Blog Man Of The Match, well done for a good goal Jamie.

Hanson 7
Didn't have much to do on the defencive side in the second half

Hughes 7
Ran all day

Salvin 7
Battled hard

Okike 5
Never looked like getting into full stride

Southern 8
Mr Magic boot made things happen once again, unlucky not to be on the scored sheet

Rea 7
Should have filled his boots, but wanted that extra touch

Tarrant 7
Made life hard for the players marking him, pulled defenders out of position

Subs;

Baker 7
Came on in the fisrt half for a struggling Okike, and did very well

Deverdics 7 1/2
Came on for talbot at half time and gave the whitby players some else to worrie about

Clark 6
came on late and did ok

Baker at Whitby

Steve Baker watching the game at Whitby Town

New Forward Tarrant

Tarrant playing Against Whitby Town

Private on Parade

Private Clifton at Whitby on Tuesday night.

Father and Son at Whitby

Private Hutchinson Jr. and Private Hutchinson


P.s. Private Hutchinson Jr having a bad top day, he must have got dressed in the dark.

Oliver Leaves

Experienced Midfielder Michael Oliver has left the Heed Army after Joining in the Summer from Northern League side Newcastle Blue Star.

Michael had played for Football League teams such as Rochdale and Darlington before dropping into the Non-League game.

The Heed Army Blog wishes Michael Oliver all the best in the future.

(photo taken by Private Rowan)

Hucknall Away 2002

Sgt Farnfield and Captain Carter, good Drunken fun happening